Background: The Lori-Bakhtiari sheep breed is one of the most common native breed in the south-western parts of Iran. The peri-parturition period (2 weeks before to, 2 weeks after parturition), is generally of critical importance regarding the health, production and profitability of the ewes. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to compare the serum concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and calcium (Ca) during peri-parturition period in 30 single and 30 twin-bearing Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. METHODS: All blood profiles were determined in healthy ewes on days 14, 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum. RESULTS: Serum glucose levels were lower in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes on prepartum and day 7 after lambing. Serum NEFA, BHBA and cholesterol levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes compared to single-bearing ewes during the peri-parturition period. Lower serum Ca levels were recorded 7 days before and after parturition in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that NEFA and BHBA recorded significant (p<0.05) changes during the peri-parturition period in twin-bearing ewes. These significant differences could be related to increased metabolic demands of the fetuses in twin-bearing ewes.

Background: In recent years, dietary fat supplementation has become a common practice and fat supplemented diets have had variable effects on animal performance and carcass characteristics. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing the levels of sesame oil on performance, rumen parameters and plasma lipid profile in finishing Chal lambs. METHODS: Eighteen male lambs were fed with control (C; without sesame oil) and the diets contained low level (LSO; 2.5%) and high level (HSO; 5%) of sesame oil. RESULTS: The addition of fat had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass weight. Treatments with sesame oil had no effect on rumen ammonia concentration and total protozoal count. Ruminal pH was numerically smaller (p=0.14) for control compared to lambs fed diets containing 2.5 and 5% sesame oil. Treatments had no effect on total VFA, acetate, butyrate, valerate and isovalerate concentrations. The propionate concentration decreased (p=0.04) by supplementation of sesame oil compared with the control. Total cholesterol (TC) and HDL increased and the tendency for VLDL and triglyceride (p=0.13) to increase was observed by treatment groups when compared with the control. Glucose concentration and LDL were not affected by treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Sesame oil had no effect on the performance and carcass weight of lambs but there was decrease in blood cholesterol concentration.

Background: In vitro model studies are becoming increasingly popular for experimental research designs. They include isolation and expansion of cells of a particular tissue, such as the nervous tissue which contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms in many pathologies. It enables the scrutinization of intracellular signaling pathways responsible for cell death. OBJECTIVES: In the literature, there are different methods for the isolation and culture of rat embryonic cortical neurons. However, this study developed a feasible, rapid and easily performable method. METHODS: Isolation of neurons was performed without using enzymatic digestion. Primary cortical cultures neurite outgrowth and neuron numbers per field of common mediums were compared for neuronal cells isolation and expansion. In this study, three different culture mediums were considered: Medium I: Neurobasal medium, B-27 and L-glutamine; Medium II: DMEM, FBS and L-glutamine; and Medium III: DMEM/F-12, FBS and L-glutamine. RESULTS: High survival rate and number of neurons was obtained with the current method. The best neuronal growth was achieved by Medium I, while Medium II and III had moderate effect on the neurite outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Enzyme-free treatment was introduced and Medium I was used as an alternative method for optimal neuron isolation and expansion. The neuronal cultures are similar to nervous tissue in physiological aspects. Hence, Medium I is more similar to the in vivo condition compared to Mediums II and III.

Background: Metabolic profiles have been used in efforts to predict pre parturient problems and fertility, to diagnose metabolic diseases, and to assess nutritional status in dairy cows. These profiles may help to confirm the diagnosis of sub clinical diseases, to be aware of possible causes of infertility in the herds, or to monitor improvement in herd animals. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated changes in the metabolic profile of high producing Holstein dairy cows from early lactation to close-up dry periods. The results of the current research can provide useful guidelines for management strategies during different physiological phases of high producing Holstein dairy cows. METHODS: Twenty-five multiparous high producing Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high producing industrial dairy farm. Cattle were divided into 5 equal groups of early, mid and late lactation and far-off and close-up dry cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were separated to evaluate glucose, insulin, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high, low and very low density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol). RESULTS: The highest levels of insulin were detected in mid lactation and close-up dry periods. The changing patterns of BHBA and NEFA were significant and the highest levels of these biomarkers were detected in the early lactation group. The decreasing pattern of BHBA and NEFA were seen from early lactation to far-off dry cows. Significant elevations were seen in these biomarkers from far-off to close-up dry cows. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that metabolic biomarkers change in high producing Holstein dairy cows, under different physiological states. These changes are induced commonly by negative energy balance, lactogenesis and fetal growth in each state.

Background: In the current Iranian poultry industry, antibiotics are the most frequently used additive in poultry feeds to increase productivity. The negative effects on human health, resulting from the consumption of chicken whose feeds contain antibiotics, makes finding an appropriate alternative of great importance. As a result of their nature, herbal extracts could be specifically considered for this purpose. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find an appropriate and harmless feed additive to increase the quality and quantity of poultry eggs. METHODS: A completely randomized design including 4 treatments, 4 replications and 4 birds in each experimental unit was applied. Herbal extracts were added to drinking water of treatments in ratio of 1:1000, with the control group containing no additives in their water. The number and weight of produced eggs were measured on a daily basis, feed consumption on weekly basis and the egg quality, yolk cholesterol, hatchability and intestinal bacterial population were measured at the end of experiment after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Herbal extract treatments showed no overall effect on quality and quantity of produced eggs in comparison with control; however, the thyme and garlic extracts reduced the cholesterol of serum and yolk relative to the control. Herbal extracts did not significantly affect the hatchability of fertile eggs. The herbal extracts caused a significant decrease in the intestinal bacterial population of laying quails. CONCLUSIONS: The garlic extract had the most decreasing effect on the cholesterol of serum and egg yolk. Furthermore, thyme extract had the most decreasing effect on the intestinal bacterial population.

Background: Coccidiosis is recognized as the parasitic disease that has the greatest economic impact on poultry production. Modern poultry production is largely dependent upon anticoccidials. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the efficacy of two chemical anticoccidials (Clopidol and Diclazuril) on oocyst shedding and their probable effects on growth performance and feed efficiency of broilers in experimental coccidiosis. Methods: One hundred and twenty Ross 308 one day old broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups: CON+, infected with Eimeria mixed oocysts but not medicated; CON-, not infected and not medicated; CLO, infected and medicated with Clopidol; DIC, infected and medicated with Diclazuril. Chickens in all groups except negative control were inoculated by mixed sporulated oocysts of pathogenic Eimeria at the end of the 3rd week of age. Oocyst shedding was counted using a Mc Master counting chamber. Body weights, body weight gains, and feed conversion ratio were determined on weekly basis. Results: Obtained results showed that Diclazuril was more effective in reducing oocyst shedding than Clopidol. As expected, mean body weight in the positive control group was lower than other groups. But surprisingly, no significant difference was found between Diclazuril or Clopidol treated birds and positive control group, at the end of the experiment. In comparison of weight gain in different treatment groups except for the 4 and 5th week, no significant difference was found in different groups. In the last week of the experiment, difference in weight gain between groups was not significant. According to feed conversion ratio (FCR) results, anticoccidial supplementation did not have any significant effect on improving FCR. ConclusionS: It is reported that some anticoccidials reduce feed consumption and feed conversion. It seems that neither of the present synthetic anticoccidials is completely satisfactory in controlling coccidiosis economic losses and new strategies are urgently required.

Background: Nutritional strategies targeting improvement of poultry performance and disease prevention are currently being developed and in this respect the dietary intake of spiced essential oils and pre-biotics in raising broilers is receiving attention. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the effects of diet containing ginger essential oils (GEO) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) on growth performance, biochemical and hematological parameters, lymphoid organ weights and antibody response of broilers. METHODS: A total of 375 day old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments (five replicates per treatment). Dietary treatments included basal diet as control, GEO-supplemented diets with inclusion levels of 50 (GEO1), 100 (GEO2) or 200 (GEO3) mg/kg, and MOS supplemented diet with an inclusion level of 2 g/kg. RESULTS: The birds fed on MOS and GEO3 diets exhibited better feed conversion ratio and higher body weight gain from 1 to 42 day of age compared with control birds (p<0.05). Serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol level in the MOS, GEO2 or GEO3 groups was lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). Serum cholesterol level was also lower in the GEO2 and MOS groups (p<0.05). Feeding on GEO3 and MOS diets significantly increased relative bursa weight and secondary antibody titer against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccines as compared with control diet (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that higher level of GEO (200 g/kg) similar to MOS supplementation, improved feed efficiency and immune response. This could meet consumers’ demand for a safe feed additive.

Background: The northern pike Esox lucius is a fresh water species belonging to the Esocidae family. It is a carnivorous fish which mostly feeds on invertebrates and fishes. The morphology of its intestine is very useful for understanding the fish’s digestive physiology, diagnosing some intestinal diseases and formulating suitable feeds. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the anatomical, histological and histomorphometric properties of the intestine of E. lucius. METHODS: The intestines of five E. lucius were examined in this study. After anatomical dissection, the histological specimens were taken and fixed in 10% formalin. Then, tissue passages were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and Masson’s trichrome. RESULTS: The anatomical examination showed the short intestine with intestinal coefficient 0.68±0.09 in E. lucius which is a characteristic of the carnivorous species. The histological study revealed that the intestinal wall of E. lucius is composed of tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The muscularis mucosa was not visible in the intestine. The stratum compactum is present between tunica mucosa and tunica submucosa. The histomorphometric results differentiated between three parts in the intestine of E. lucius namely anterior, middle and posterior. The maximum height of mucosal folds was observed in the anterior intestine due to its role in nutrient absorption. The mucosal fold’s height then decreased towards the posterior intestine. The tunica muscularis is significantly thicker in the anterior intestine, and the circular muscle layer is thicker than the longitudinal muscle layer throughout the entire length of the intestine. The posterior intestine possessed large numbers of goblet cells in comparison with other parts of the intestine, to promote elimination of unabsorbed particles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed adaptation for the species feeding habits, so as to protect the intestine and increase absorptive processes.

Background: Determination of digestive enzymes activity would provide critical information in the design of appropriate diet. Sobaity, Sparidentex hasta is found in the Persian Gulf and cultured in countries adjacent to it. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated proteolytic, amylase and lipase activities in the intestine of Sparidentex hasta captured from the Persian Gulf. METHODS: 60 immature S. hasta (mean weight: 520 ± 50g) were captured during summer and autumn of 2012 from Mussa Creek, North West of the Persian Gulf. After euthanization, fish were dissected and the complete digestive tracts (from stomach to anus) were removed. The intestines were separated for each fish and divided to 3 parts; proximal, mid portion and distal. After homogenization, supernatants were removed and enzymes activities were assayed chemically. RESULTS: The highest activity of protease (395.2 ± 32.6 mU mg-1 protein) was recorded in the proximal portion of the intestine compare to the 2 other parts (p<0.05) but amylase and lipase activities did not show a significant difference in 3 parts of the intestine (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the pattern of activity of digestive enzymes in S. hasta is consistent with the overall pattern of digestive enzymes activity in carnivorous fish. These data can be used to design special diets for this species.

In the present report, diagnosis and treatment of a case with follicular ovarian cysts in a 5-year-old Persian queen cat is described. In response to palpation of spines, the queen cat presented herself in lordosis and danced up and down with her rear legs. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography examination showed 2 cysts in the left ovary of the queen. Serum estrogen assay indicated elevated level of 17 β-estradiol concentration (105 pg/ml). However, progesterone concentration was normal (0.3 ng/ml). Accordingly, the queen was diagnosed with functional follicular cysts. The queen was treated with an administration of hCG intra-muscularly. Thirty (30) days after the administration of hCG, an injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (50 IU) was given intra-muscularly. Natural mating was done with a fertile Persian tom cat. In conclusion, it seems that treatment of functional follicular cysts can be applied to preserve fertility in cats.